NO MORE HIDING
[Jesus continued,] "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish."
When I think of hiding, I see a mental picture of a child hiding under a bed whether playfully or out of fear. But when I evaluate my own personal life, I recognize all the ways I’ve hidden.
For starters, as a child I remember when asked to sing, I’d have to go in the closet so no one would be able to see my face. As I got older, I realized that I had a gift. I began to get more comfortable and started performing in open mics and recording my own songs. Sadly, circumstances, which maybe I’ll be inclined to share at a later time, prevented me from continuing that route. So, I joined the music department at my church, but I was still more comfortable singing my alto note in the background.
In my marriage, I hid my pain. Out of fear of disturbing the only peace I knew, I couldn’t share my true feelings. When I tried to they were dismissed, my problem or twisted back on me as if I had done something wrong. Naturally, it was just easier to comply or keep it to myself. What I’ve learned is that I also hid myself as a person. I had become a shadow in my husband's spotlight and that is where he preferred me.
Now, with all that is being exposed via the internet and social media, a belief in Jesus is no longer favored. Now, I’m not knocking anyone’s beliefs but sadly there was point where I felt I had to hide mine.
What’s the purpose for all this?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The beauty in all my hiding is that God wouldn’t allow my story to end that way. He chased after and rescued me. He restored my soul. Literally, allowed me to walk in green pastures. I was given a choice. It was by no means an easy choice to make but it was worth it. There’s no shadow He won’t light up, no wall He won’t kick down and no lie He won’t tear down coming after me.
God, I thank you for your reckless love. This blog is just the beginning. In whatever way YOU choose to use my voice, my answer is and will always be YES!
I’m done hiding.